LAS VEGAS, NEV. – Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS of Nevada), part of the nation’s leading evidence-based dropout prevention nonprofit organization serving 117 Nevada schools with regional offices in the Clark, Elko, Humboldt, and Washoe County school districts, announces the appointment of Jayme Puu, CEO of CareSource Nevada, to its Board of Directors. The appointment reflects the strong partnership between CIS of Nevada and CareSource, a nonprofit managed care organization serving Nevada Medicaid and Marketplace members, and their shared commitment to improving outcomes for students and families across the state.
Since the start of its partnership with CIS of Nevada three years ago, CareSource has committed more than $200,000 to strengthen CIS’s wraparound support for students and families. Launched during National Attendance Awareness Month in September 2025, CareSource created a Pledge to Be Present campaign to address chronic absenteeism and promote a culture of consistent school attendance. The campaign successfully supported CIS Site Coordinators in engaging students, families, educators, and school communities across Nevada through attendance-focused events and pledge activities that encouraged students to commit to showing up ready to learn every day. Through schoolwide assemblies, incentives, and activities, 80 percent of participating schools improved their attendance in the 3rd quarter of the 2025-2026 school year compared to the previous school year.
This year, CareSource provided $50,000 to support mental health programming in Elko County. This funding enabled CIS of Nevada to help address barriers to behavioral health care access, improve students’ emotional well-being, and provide training for CIS Site Coordinators in trauma-informed care, mental health awareness, and peer support. Further, the funding was used to increase family awareness and education through community services.
In addition to funding special initiatives, CareSource has contributed more than 160 volunteer hours since 2023, including the collection of school supplies for CIS’s Fill The Bus events across the state, providing haircuts for students in Elko County, volunteering at the first Color Run and Field Day at McDermitt Combined School in Humboldt County, and providing hundreds of period kits to girls in schools statewide through CIS partner, Project Marilyn.
“CareSource has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advance the success of Nevada students and families through meaningful action, community engagement, and partnership,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and state director of CIS of Nevada. “Whether through initiatives that address chronic absenteeism, support for students’ basic needs, or to celebrate student resilience and achievement, their involvement continues to make a measurable impact in the lives of young people across our state. We are proud to welcome Jayme Puu to our board and look forward to continuing this important work together.”
CareSource Nevada CEO Jayme Puu is an accomplished healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience. Puu leads CareSource’s efforts to transform healthcare delivery across the state. Prior to joining CareSource, Puu held executive leadership positions at Hawaii Medical Service Association, including senior vice president of internal operations and vice president of provider services. Her experience in healthcare leadership and community-focused initiatives aligns closely with CIS of Nevada’s mission to address non-academic barriers affecting student success.
“Communities In Schools of Nevada understands something we believe deeply at CareSource: when students have the support they need outside the classroom, they are better positioned to succeed inside it,” said Jayme Puu, CEO, CareSource Nevada. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen first-hand the impact CIS has on students, families, and communities across Nevada. I’m honored to join the board and look forward to helping advance our shared mission of removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and ensuring every Nevada student has the resources they need to thrive.”
Serving nearly 100,000 students statewide, CIS of Nevada works directly inside schools to connect students and families with resources, relationships, and support systems that help kids stay in school and achieve in life. For two consecutive school years, including last year, CIS of Nevada achieved a 97 percent graduation rate among seniors served.
About Communities In Schools of Nevada
Communities In Schools (CIS) of Nevada places full-time, professionally trained site coordinators in 117 Title I and high-needs schools to support nearly 100,000 K-12 students. By leveraging a statewide network of more than 120 community nonprofits and partners, CIS brings essential community resources directly into schools to remove barriers to student success. Whether providing healthcare, professional counseling, or basic necessities like food and housing, CIS closes the opportunity gaps students face daily. Recent Harvard research confirms that CIS’ relationship-driven approach leads to higher test scores, increased college attendance, and higher adult earnings. In the 2024-2025 school year, CIS case-managed seniors in Nevada achieved a 97 percent graduation rate. Learn more at cisnevada.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About CareSource Nevada
CareSource Nevada is a nonprofit managed care organization that provides access to high- quality care to Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check-Up-eligible residents of the Silver State. CareSource Nevada transforms healthcare for Nevadans throughout the state through innovative programs that address the social drivers of health, prevention and access to care. CareSource Nevada leverages a robust provider network and partnerships with community-based organizations across all regions of the state to strengthen care coordination and improve health outcomes.
Learn more at CareSource.com/nv/plans or follow us at Facebook.com/CareSourceNV.
Contact: Cherryl Kaopua, Communities In Schools of Nevada, cherryl@twgpr.com, 702-408-8334
